Pet travel case

ABSTRACT

A pet travel case, including a main body to store pet supplies therein and for a pet to stand thereon, the main body including at least one drawer removably disposed within a side of the main body to store therewithin at least a portion of the pet supplies, at least one wheel removably disposed on the main body to cause the main body to move when a force is applied thereto, and a retractable handle disposed within the main body to facilitate movement of the main body.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of, and incorporates by reference, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/589,710, entitled “Pet Travel Case,” which was filed on Nov. 22, 2017.

BACKGROUND 1. Field

The present general inventive concept relates generally to a travel case, and particularly, to a travel case specifically designed for carrying items related to pets.

2. Description of the Related Art

Traveling is a popular activity for many people. Particularly, when people travel for an extended period of time, they need to bring a suitcase or other means of carrying clothing and cosmetics.

When pet owners decide to travel, they may choose to take their pets with them, which requires packing pet-related essentials such as pet food, feeders, medicine, etc. Currently, there are no travel cases dedicated to pets on the market, causing individuals to load pet supplies in plastic bags or other odd carriers.

Therefore, there is a need for a travel case targeted specifically for the needs of pets.

SUMMARY

The present general inventive concept provides a pet travel case.

Additional features and utilities of the present general inventive concept will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the general inventive concept.

The foregoing and/or other features and utilities of the present general inventive concept may be achieved by providing a pet travel case, including a main body to store pet supplies therein and for a pet to stand thereon, the main body including at least one drawer removably disposed within a side of the main body to store therewithin at least a portion of the pet supplies, at least one wheel removably disposed on the main body to cause the main body to move when a force is applied thereto, and a retractable handle disposed within the main body to facilitate movement of the main body.

The at least one drawer may store at least one of pet medicine, water bottles, treats, food, water bowl, and food bowl.

The pet travel case may further include at least one pocket to store non-perishable items.

The at least one pocket may store at least one of pet trinkets, toys, leashes, harnesses, and clothing.

The main body may further include a bungee cord removably disposed on at least a portion of the main body to secure the pet to the main body by limiting movement of the pet.

The main body may further include a textured mat removably disposed on at least a portion of the main body to prevent the pet from slipping.

The textured mat may be at least one of a solid smooth surface, a bubbled surface having protrusions extending therefrom, and a mesh.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other features and utilities of the present generally inventive concept will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a pet travel case, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general Inventive concept;

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the pet travel case, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the pet travel case including drawers that are opened, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept;

FIG. 4A illustrates a planar zoomed in perspective view of a first side of the pet travel case including a drawer locking mechanism in an locked position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept; and

FIG. 4B illustrates a planar zoomed in perspective view of the first side of the pet travel case including the drawer locking mechanism in an unlocked position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various example embodiments (a.k.a., exemplary embodiments) will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which some example embodiments are illustrated. In the figures, the thicknesses of lines, layers and/or regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of various modifications and alternative forms, embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the figures and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure. Like numbers refer to like/similar elements throughout the detailed description.

It is understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art. However, should the present disclosure give a specific meaning to a term deviating from a meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill, this meaning is to be taken into account in the specific context this definition is given herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a pet travel case 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

FIG. 2 illustrates a rear view of the pet travel case 100, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the pet travel case 100 including drawers 111 that are opened, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

The pet travel case 100 may be constructed from at least one of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), ballistic nylon, canvas, leather, nylon, tegris, plastic, wood, metal, and glass, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The pet travel case 100 may include a main body 110 and a retractable handle 120, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 1, the main body 110 is illustrated to have a rectangular prism shape. However, the main body 110 may be rectangular, conical, spherical, or any shape known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The main body 110 may be of any predetermined size, and store therein, various items as desired by a user.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the main body 110 may include a first side 110 a, a second side 110 b, a third side 110 c, a fourth side 110 d, a top side 110 e, a bottom side 110 f, at least one drawer 111, at least one pocket 112, at least one wheel 113, at least one leg 114, a textured mat 115, a cushion 115 a, and a bungee cord 116, but is not limited thereto.

FIG. 4A illustrates a planar zoomed in perspective view of the first side 110 a of the pet travel case 100 including a drawer locking mechanism in a locked position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

FIG. 4B illustrates a planar zoomed in perspective view of the first side 110 a of the pet travel case 100 including the drawer locking mechanism in an unlocked position, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present general inventive concept.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4B, the at least one drawer 111 may include a front surface 111 a, an inner portion 111 b, at least one drawer handle 111 c, an upper bar 111 d, and a lower bar 111 e, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 3, the at least one drawer 111 may be removably disposed within the first side 110 a. The at least one drawer handle 111 c may be disposed on the front surface 111 a. The user may pull (slide) the at least one drawer 111 in an outward direction away from the first side 110 a using the at least one drawer handle 111 c. The at least one drawer 111 may be considered in an open position. Moreover, from the open position, the user may push the at least one drawer 111 towards the main body 110 until a front surface 111 a of the at least one drawer 111 is substantially flush with the first side 110 a. The at least one drawer 111 may be considered in a closed position. The at least one drawer 111 may use rails and/or brackets for movement, but is not limited thereto. The at least one drawer 111 may extend across at least a portion of a length of the front side 110 a, beginning from the second side 110 b and terminating at the fourth side 110 d. The at least one drawer 111 may store pet supplies on the inner portion 111 b, including at least one of pet medicine, water bottles, treats, food, water bowl, and food bowl, etc., but is not limited thereto. As such, the at least one drawer 111 may organize the pet supplies, by separating the at least a portion of the pet supplies and inserting the portion Into the inner portion 111 b of the at least one drawer 111, and inserting another portion of the pet supplies into the inner portion 111 b of another at least one drawer 111.

The at least one drawer 111 may include an upper bar 111 d and a lower bar 111 e. The at least one drawer handle 111 c may be connected to the upper bar 111 d and the lower bar 111 e. The upper bar 111 d and the lower bar 111 e may contact an inner surface of the main body 110 to prevent the at least one drawer 111 c from being in the open position. A combination of the handle 111 c, the upper bar 111 d, and the lower bar 111 e may also be known as a drawer locking mechanism.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the at least one drawer handle 111 c is illustrated in a first position. Specifically, the at least one handle 111 c may be rotated in a first direction (e.g., a clockwise direction), with respect to the front surface 111 a, to reach the first position. When the at least one drawer handle 111 c is in the first position, the upper bar 111 d and the lower bar 111 e may be extended such that end portions thereof contact the inner surface of the main body 110, thus preventing the at least one drawer 111 from being opened. As such, the drawer locking mechanism may be considered locked, and the at least one drawer 111 may not be opened.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the at least one drawer handle 111 c is illustrated in a second position. The at least one handle 111 c may be rotated in a second direction (e.g., a counterclockwise direction), with respect to the front surface 111 a, to reach the second position. When the at least one drawer handle 111 c is in the second position, the upper bar 111 d and the lower bar 111 e may be retracted to allow the at least one drawer 111 to be opened. As such, the drawer locking mechanism may be considered unlocked, and the at least one drawer 111 may be opened.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the pet travel case 100 is illustrated to include three drawers 111 having a same size, but is not limited thereto and may include less than three drawers or more than three drawers having same or different sizes. Furthermore, if the at least one drawer 111 is provided in plurality, the plurality of drawers 111 may be provided at any portion of the main body 110.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the at least one pocket 112 may include at least one fastener 112 a. The at least one fastener 112 a may include a zipper, a button, a snap, a buckle, Velcro, etc., but is not limited thereto. Although, the at least one pocket 112 is illustrated to be disposed on at least a portion of the second side 110 b, the at least one pocket 112 may be disposed on at least a portion of the fourth side 110 d, but is not limited thereto. The at least one pocket 112 may store non-perishable items including at least one of pet trinkets, toys, leashes, harnesses, and clothing, etc., but is not limited thereto. The at least one fastener 112 a may be fastened to prevent any contents therein from involuntary ejectment thereof.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the pet travel case 100 is illustrated to include three pockets 112 having a same size, but is not limited thereto and may include less than three pockets or more than three pockets having same or different sizes. Furthermore, if the at least one pocket 112 is provided in plurality; the plurality of pockets 112 may be provided at any portion of the main body 110.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, although, the at least one wheel 113 is illustrated to be disposed on at least a portion of the bottom side 110 f next to the third side 110 c, the at least one wheel 113 may be removably disposed at any portion of the bottom side 110 f. Furthermore, although, the at least one leg 114 may be disposed on at least a portion of the bottom side 110 f next to the front side 110 a, the at least one leg 114 may be removably disposed at any portion of the bottom side 110 f. In other words, the bottom side 110 f may be adjustable such that the user may swap positions of the at least one wheel 113 and the at least one leg 114. Alternatively, the at least one wheel 113 may be disposed on the bottom side 110 f at all feasible locations and/or the at least one leg 114 may be disposed on the bottom side 110 f at all feasible locations, but is not limited thereto.

The at least one wheel 113 may cause the main body 110 to move over a surface when a force is directed against the main body 110. As such, the at least one wheel 113 may roll along the surface and the main body 110 may move in response thereto. Conversely, the at least one leg 114 may stabilize the main body 110 to prevent it from moving over the surface, due to the at least one leg 114 having a coplanar end in contact with the surface.

The textured mat 115 may be constructed from fabric, PVC, vinyl coated polyester, nylon, etc., but is not limited thereto.

The textured mat 115 may be removably disposed on at least a portion of the top side 110 e and may provide a secure surface for the pet to stand thereon without slipping. Specifically, the textured mat 115 may include a solid smooth surface, a bubbled surface having protrusions extending therefrom, a mesh, an adhesive and/or a semi-adhesive surface, etc., but is not limited thereto. The textured mat 115 may be affixed and/or adhered to the cushion 115 a. The cushion 115 a may be removably disposed on the top side 110 e. The cushion 115 a may be used as support for the pet during rest.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the bungee cord 116 may be constructed from substantially elastic material such as rubber, but is not limited thereto. The bungee cord 116 may be removably disposed on the top side 110 e. Additionally, the bungee cord 116 may be affixed and/or adhered to a portion of a leash and/or a portion of a harness on the pet. Alternatively, the bungee cord 116 may be tied into a loop and wrapped around an appendage of the pet, such that the pet is secured on the main body 110 by limiting movement of the pet.

The retractable handle 120 may include at least one rod 121 and a handle grip 122, but is not limited thereto. The at least one rod 121 may further include a proximal end 121 a and a distal end 121 b, but is not limited thereto.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the proximal end 121 a of the at least one rod 121 may be disposed within the main body 110 via at least an interior portion of the top side 110 e, but is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the proximal end 121 a of the at least one rod 121 may be disposed near a top edge on at least a portion of the third side 110 c, but is not limited thereto. The handle grip 122 may be disposed on the distal end 121 b of the at least one rod 121. The user may grasp the handle grip 122 to pull and extend the at least one rod 121 away from the main body 110 to a predetermined length of the at least one rod 121. In other words, the at least one rod 121 may extend telescopically, such that the at least one rod 121 may adjust up to the predetermined length of the at least one rod 121. As such, the user may push handle grip 122 towards the main body. 110, causing the at least one rod 121 to retract into the main body 110.

The retractable handle 120 may enable the user to manipulate the main body 110 by performing at least one of carrying the main body 110 and/or moving the main body 110 by pushing and/or pulling the main body 110 and causing the at least one wheel 113 to roll in response to the pushing and/or pulling, but is not limited thereto.

Therefore, when the user desires to travel and take the pet on a vacation, the use may put various pet-related items in the main body 110, may extend the retractable handle 120, and may walk while pulling the main body 110 at an angle on the at least one wheel 113. As such, the user pulling the main body 110 may cause the at least one wheel 113 to roll in response thereto, and provide easy transport.

Although a few embodiments of the present general inventive concept have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the general inventive concept, the scope of which is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents. 

1. A pet travel case, comprising: a main body to store pet supplies therein and for a pet to stand thereon, the main body comprising: at least one drawer removably disposed within a side of the main body to store therewithin at least a portion of the pet supplies, at least one wheel removably disposed on the main body to cause the main body to move when a force is applied thereto; and a retractable handle disposed within the main body to facilitate movement of the main body.
 2. The pet travel case of claim 1, wherein the at least one drawer stores at least one of pet medicine, water bottles, treats, food, water bowl, and food bowl.
 3. The pet travel case of claim 1, further comprising: at least one pocket to store non-perishable items.
 4. The pet travel case of claim 3, wherein the at least one pocket stores at least one of pet trinkets, toys, leashes, harnesses, and clothing.
 5. The pet travel case of claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises: a bungee cord removably disposed on at least a portion of the main body to secure the pet to the main body by limiting movement of the pet.
 6. The pet travel case of claim 1, wherein the main body further comprises: a textured mat removably disposed on at least a portion of the main body to prevent the pet from slipping.
 7. The pet travel case of claim 3, wherein the textured mat is at least one of a solid smooth surface, a bubbled surface having protrusions extending therefrom, and a mesh. 